Government legislation ministry finds solidified asbestos landfill disposal lawful

The government legislation ministry said that disposing of already-solidified waste asbestos in landfill after further solidification does not breach waste-treatment rules, backing a stricter option than bagging.

Under the rules, dust or fragmented asbestos must be treated through high-temperature melting or solidification, while already-solidified waste unlikely to disperse must be bagged before landfill disposal. The ministry found the bagging requirement does not prohibit further solidification.

Waste asbestos, even when it appears solidified, may break or be cut during transport and create a risk of dispersion. The ministry said the treatment standards set minimum requirements for environmental protection, so applying a stricter measure was permitted. It viewed further solidification as an appropriate measure to reduce hazards and improve environmental safety.

The interpretation also cited Waste Control Act principles requiring waste generators to take steps to prevent harm to the surrounding environment or residents' health and to treat waste in ways that reduce its quantity and harmfulness.

A 2007 amendment to the enforcement decree classified asbestos that is solidified and unlikely to disperse as designated waste. It had previously been excluded from that category, despite containing components harmful to human health.